Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Rice
Late Surge Lifts Rice Past Women's Basketball 64-58
1/5/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 5, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Despite shooting only 38 percent from the floor and 54 percent from the free throw line, Rice fought its way past Fresno State 64-58 at the North Gym in the WAC opener for both teams. The loss drops the Bulldogs' record to 4-9 (0-1 WAC) while the Owls improve to 9-4 (1-0 WAC).
Rice struggled the entire evening with its shooting, but strong Owl offensive rebounding and 24 Fresno State turnovers help keep the game close throughout. FS trailed 35-31 at the break although it shot 57 percent in the first half. Omelogo Udeze was stellar for the Bulldogs in the opening stanza, scoring 15 points and corralling six rebounds.
Fresno State was able to grab its first lead of the game at 45-44 with 12:16 remaining in the second half. The Bulldogs held their advantage until 6:11 remained, when an Aarika Florus layup gave Rice a 53-52 lead. Fresno State was never able to regain the advantage, although it did get as close as one point with 1:16 to go on perfectly executed pick-and-roll by Lindsay Logan and Mindy Clark, who put home a layup.
A Fresno State turnover sandwiched in between two Rice free throws made the score 61-58 with 37 seconds remaining. Instead of going for a three-pointer to tie the game, Laura Garcia attempted a layup but missed, and the Owls pulled down the rebound with 16 seconds left. Rice hit 3-of-4 free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.
Udeze and Logan both scored 19 points for Fresno State. No other Bulldog reached double figures. For Logan, it marked the 13th consecutive game to start the season she has scored in double digits. She also added nine assists.
For Rice, Kara Liggett came off the bench to score a team-high 13 points. Kate Beckler also added 13 while Aarika Florus had 12.
Fresno State wraps up the WAC opening homestand with a game against UTEP (5-8, 1-1 WAC) on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the North Gym.
